Do Cigarette Smoking and Amphetamine Use Predict Suicide Behaviors Among Adolescents in Liberia? Findings from a National Cross-sectional Survey

Basiru, Tajudeen; Adereti, Iyanujesu; Umudi, Osaretin; Ezeokoli, Adaobi; Nwoye, Idorenyi; Hardy, Owuzechi Jessie

doi:10.1007/s11469-022-00867-1

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…Substance use disorders are associated with an almost 10–14 times greater risk of suicide than the general population, with alcohol use disorders being the leading cause of deaths related to substance use across all age groups, consistent with the findings of the present study [ 41 ]. Additionally, in our study, we find higher suicidal behaviours among those who currently use cigarettes or tobacco products, which has been documented in previous studies [ 10 , 40 ], but not completely in the adolescent population or certainly among Lebanese adolescents. Moreover, there are limited data on the specific prevalence of suicide among adolescents who use specific substances such as marijuana, amphetamine, alcohol, and cigarettes across countries [ 42 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Adolescents are vulnerable in terms of substance use and suicide. A higher risk of suicide was observed among adolescents with a history of current substance use, and a significant proportion of suicides involved the use of substances such as marijuana, amphetamine, and alcohol [ 9 , 10 , 14 , 39 , 40 ]. Substance use disorders are associated with an almost 10–14 times greater risk of suicide than the general population, with alcohol use disorders being the leading cause of deaths related to substance use across all age groups, consistent with the findings of the present study [ 41 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Suicidal behaviours and their correlates in school-going Lebanese adolescents: findings from a national survey

Dadras

Wang

2023

Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health

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Background Adolescent suicide is regarded as a serious phenomenon that affects the well-being of the youth. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and their association with physical/psychological harm and substance use in a nationally representative sample of adolescents in Grades 7–12 in Lebanon. Methods Data from the latest Global School-Based Student Health Survey conducted in 2017 were used in this study. The prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among those who had considered committing suicide, at least once, were explored. Results An estimated 13.45% of Lebanese adolescents, particularly females in Grades 7–12 had considered suicide at least once in the past 12 months. More importantly, almost half of them had attempted it at least once in the past 12 months. Those who frequently felt lonely or worried (previous year), were involved in physical fights or assaults (previous year), had been verbally or physically bullied (previous month), had missed more school days, experienced food insecurity, and had a history of substance abuse (marijuana, amphetamine, alcohol, and tobacco products) were more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviours. Parental support and older age at drug initiation appeared to be protective factors. Discussion The findings characterise the correlates of suicidal behaviours among school-going Lebanese adolescents and determine the attributes of the risk group susceptible to engaging in suicide attempts. Future interventions and policies should consider these attributes when monitoring target groups, particularly those with the alarming behaviours identified in this study. In addition, awareness campaigns that engage all stakeholders, particularly parents, should be prioritised by the authorities.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%